Questions and Answers
from Proud UAW Local 211 Members

Ed Vittorio         

GM Defiance Powertrain & Central Foundry

1. How long did you work at GM Central Foundry/Powertrain? 37 years

2. What was your badge number? It was 4431.               

3. In what department did you work? I was an electrician in Department 534.

4. What was your start and retirement dates? I hired in on August 8, 1966, and retired on April 4, 2004.

5. Are any of your family members also union members? Larry Cooper, my nephew, is the current Sergeant-at-Arms of UAW Local 211.

6. What three words describe you best? Short, funny and easy going

7. What three words do NOT describe you? Mean, serious and late

8. What three foods can you NOT live without? Bread, sweets and coffee

9. Who were your favorite co-workers? Dave Rau, Jim Gollihue and Ray.Mendez

10. What do you remember the most about those favorite co-workers? They were always honest, helpful and caring.

11. What do you remember most about working at GM? As an Alternate.Health and Safety Representative, I tried my best to make sure the shop floor was a safe place to work.

12. What is your favorite charity? St. Jude

13. In what UAW events have you participated? I attended union meetings.

14. Tell us about your family. I have been married to my wife, Carol, for 48.years. I have two children and five grandchildren.

15. Working in a unionized auto plant... provided me with a good standard of.living, allowed me to learn a trade, gave me a measure of job security and.enjoy health insurance and an income in retirement.

3. In what department did you work?  I worked in 112, 116 and 110.

4. What was your start and retirement dates?  I hired in on August 25, 1972, and retired on August 1, 2002.

5. Are any of your family members also union members?  Yes, I am proud to say! My son, Larry, who works at the foundry is a UAW Local 211 member and is currently the Sergeant-at-Arms. Also, my brother-in-law and fellow retiree, Ed Vittorio, is a retired member of UAW Local 211.

6. What three words describe you best?   Happy, Caring and Prankster

7. What three words do NOT describe you?  Lazy, Unappreciative and Mean

8. What three foods can you NOT live without?  Coffee, Steak and Candy

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car?  No!!

10. Who were your favorite co-workers?  Joe Parrish, Bob King and Ray Leal

11. What do you remember the most about those guys?  We always had lots of fun, and there was never a dull moment!

12. What event at work was the most memorable?  For me, the funniest was when a deer some how got inside the building and started running around.

13. What is your favorite charity?   I support our veterans.

14. In what UAW events have you participated?  I always liked Family Day.

15. Tell us about your family?   Sharon, my wife for 40 wonderful years, and I were blessed with two sons and a daughter. I have five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

16. Working in a unionized auto plant has allowed me… to provide a better life for my wife, children and their children and to receive medical benefits and a retirement income that most who worked in a non-union shop only dream of!

Aaron Langhorne

GM Defiance Powertrain

1. How many years have you worked at GM Powertrain? 16 years

2. What is your badge number?  15366

3. What is your current job classification?  Heavy process in the core room

4. What was your start date?   I was hired on March 29, 1985.

5. Have you worked at any other GM facilities?  Yes, I started working for GM at its Tarrytown plant in New York.

6. Are there any union members in your family?  My mother who also worked at GM's Tarrytown plant is a retiree member of the UAW.

7. Name three words that someone would use to describe you:  Respect, love, peace

8. Name three words that someone would NOT use to describe you:  Dirty, evil, disrespectful

9. What three foods can you NOT live without?  Fish, vegetables, fruit

10. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car? I never have and never will.

11. Who are some of your favorite co-workers? I like many of my co-workers.

12. What do you remember the most about your first day at GM Defiance Powertrain?  the loudness

13. What is your favorite charity? the American Red Cross

14. Tell us about your family?  Most are from Virginia and all are singers.

15. When did you realize you had singing talent?  I have sung karaoke around Defiance and the surrounding communities.

16. What is your favorite song?  “Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cook

18. Working in an unionized auto plant has given me... “a fair chance.” 

by Norm Jones: My son, Jeremy, told me about this guy who showed up around Bowling Green wearing UAW Local 211 apparel. Jeremy said this guy had a terrific voice. Hearing him sing myself in the locker room, aisle ways and the cafeteria, Aaron was fairly easy to find and tell him about the honor of having him featured here and in the UAW Local 211 News. When someone is a proud union auto worker and shows that pride by wearing UAW Local 211 clothing, this is reason enough to recognize one of our own.

Heather Tefft

GM Defiance Powertrain

1. How many years have you worked at GM Powertrain?  It will be 5 years this February.

2. What is your badge number?   17271

3. What is your current job classification?  Millwright apprentice

4. What was your start date?   I was hired on February 7, 2005.

5. What three words describe you best? Outspoken, Friendly, Candid  

6. What three words do NOT describe you?  Shy, Innocent, Lazy    

7. What three foods can you NOT live without?    Steak, chicken, shrimp

8. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car?  I have never owned a foreign vehicle, but I was given a Toyota minivan as a rental. It was all they had, so I took it and went straight to work from Toledo. I wouldn’t drive it after that, so I rode my motorcycle to work the next day and got ran over.

9. Who are some of your favorite co-workers?  There are too many to list.

10. What do you remember the most about your first day at GM? the smell

11. Was there an episode at work that you remember the most?  When the concrete crew cut a huge hole in the ground to fix a leaking pipe, they backed the truck into it. I couldn’t stop laughing.

12. What is your favorite charity?  Toys for Tots 

13. Tell us about your family:  I have two beautiful daughters: Chelsea (2 and a half) and Courtney (1 and a half).

14. Would you recommend to other women to pursue a skilled trades career at GM?  Yes, I definitely would.

15. What has been the hardest part of being a millwright apprentice?  Working with or for someone who has a hard time with women in maintenance.

16. Working in a unionized auto plant has allowed me... “to provide for my children so they do not want for anything.” 

William "Bill" Houck 

GM Powertrain & Central Foundry Division

1. How many years did you work at Central Foundry/GM Powertrain? I retired with 32.8 actual years, and am credited with 38.9 on my gold card.   

2. What was your badge number?   13251         

3. In what departments did you work?   I stayed in department 816 and the Quality organization.     

4. What was your start date?  I was hired on February 10, 1971.

5. Three are words that someone would use to describe you? Energetic, fun, happy (Oh ya, I like to sing!)

6. What are three words that someone would NOT use to describe you? Lazy, shy, stingy    

7. What three foods can you not live without? Chicken, cookies, ice cream

8. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car? Hell No! Absolutely not. I only drive GM vehicles, with my favorite being the Chevrolet Impala.

9. Who were/are some of your favorite co-workers? There are too many to name but especially all the gang in 816.

10. What do you remember the most about your first day at Central Foundry?  On my first day, I could not believe the noise. It took a while to get over the fact that we had to work in that kind of noise. Wow!    

11. What do you remember the most about your co-workers? I recall the fun we had kidding one another at break time.

12. What is your favorite charity?   Hospice

13. In what UAW sponsored events have you participated?  Family Day and the Kid’s Christmas party

14. Tell us about your family.  I am married to my beautiful wife, Sharon. I have a daughter, Rhonda, and two sons, William II and Shawn.

15. Working in a unionized auto plant has allowed me... “to support my family with top quality health care and to retire with dignity. Overall, the UAW gave us a great life. I still thank God everyday for the UAW and General Motors. God Bless UAW Local 211.”     

Dave Hiltner

GM Powertrain & Central Foundry Division

1. How long have you worked at GM Powertrain/Central Foundry?  39 years and counting...

2. What is your badge number?  8194

3. What departments did you work?  116, 112, 816, and 529

4. When were you hired?  I started on December 8, 1970.

5. Do any of your family members belong to a union?  My nephew, Jim Hiltner, is a local 211 member. 

6. What three words describe you best? This is a tough question because the traits you think you possess may not be what others see in you. So, I had my wife answer this one: honest, hard-working, and a keeper.

7. What three words do not describe you? Again, I had my wife answer this one: hot-headed, rude, and moody.

8. What three foods can you not live without?  Meat, potatoes, bread.

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car?  Never have, never will!

10. Who were your favorite co-workers? The people I work with now are a pleasure to be around. A lot of my good friends are now retired, including Butch Schlegel, Jim Ricker, John Bagley, Chuck Clemens, Mike Beerbower (deceased), and others. The list could be much longer because almost all the people I have worked with at GM have had good qualities of one kind or another. Its always interesting when you start working with someone for the first time because you may learn something new also.

11. What do you remember the most about your first day? I was assigned to a job on the Olds block line standing in one spot all day. I remember thinking, 'this is going to be a long 25 years'.

12. What one memorable thing can you share with us?  Given the many things that have gone on, I could probably write a book about them. One morning, for instance, an emotionally distraught employee drove his El-Camino right past the guard shack and drove right up to the line in department 116. We never saw him again after that.

13. What is your favorite charity?  United Way.

14. What UAW offices have you held?  I was an alternate committeeman for 18 years, committeeman for 12 years, and served on the bargaining committee for two contract negotiations.  I held one position or the other from 1975-2005.

15. Tell us about your family?  I have been married to my wife, Donna, for 40 years. My daughter, Stacy, works for the Credit Union. My son, Matt, served in the military in Iraq. Plus, I have one granddaughter and five grandsons.

16. Working in a unionized auto plant has...“provided my family with a good living standard." 

17. What advice would you give our younger members?  Giving advice is easy. Knowing for sure it's good advice is another thing. A lot of the things that are happening these days are beyond our control—the economy, job losses, plant closings, etc. I truly believe things will improve. Over the years the UAW has provided us with a good standard of living. Although it may seem things are slipping away, I feel it will get better in time. Until then, try to maintain a positive attitude and be thankful for the things we do have in life. Come to work and do the best you can every day.

Kathy Rickenberg

GM Powertrain & Central Foundry Division

1. How many years did you work at Central Foundry/General Motors?  25 Years

2. What was your badge number? 9693

3. What departments did you work in?  I worked in all of them with the exception of melting.

4. What was your start date and retirement date? I started on December 6, 1972, and retired on August 1, 1997, having worked overtime to accumulate an added year.

5. Are other family members union members?  One daughter, Sheri Baker, works at the foundry, while another, Tanya Rickenberg, is a teacher. My brother, Ron Steel, is a GM retiree.

6. Name three words that someone would use to describe you:  Busy, Supportive, Caring

7. Name three words that someone would NOT use to describe you:  Lazy, Snobby, Ungrateful

8. What three foods can you not live without?  Bread, cookies, Diet Coke

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car?  For one week, I drove a Rendezvous that was made in Mexico. After a week, I paid $200 to put it back on the lot.

10. Who were some of your favorite co-workers?  Wow, there are too many to list!

11. What can you remember the most about your first day at Central Foundry? I wanted to quit. I kept hearing my sister-in-law saying, "you'll never make it." It was dirty, dark and scary.

12. Is there something you would like to say? I want to send a message to the younger members who are laid off. Try to hang in there. I have been there, done that. Spend time with your family while you can, teach them about the importance of unions, and have faith it will get better. Buy what you build!

13. What is your favorite charity? Ravens

14. What UAW sponsored events have you participated in?  I participated in Kid's Day and the committee that started the Women’s Craft show. I was also on the election committee. Now, I am serving as the recording secretary for the retirees.

15. Tell us about your family:  I have four daughters and seven wonderful grandchildren.

16. Working in a unionized auto plant has allowed me... to grow as a person, meet people across the country, visit Black Lake, raise my children, and retire at the age of 43. 

17. What have you done after retirement?  I am area captain for TOPS, Presiding Judge for Defiance Election Board, Retiree’s Recording Secretary, and currently helping out with Jennifer Brunner’s campaign for senator.

Jack Etter

GM Powertrain & Central Foundry Division

1. How many years were you employed at GM Powertrain/Central Foundry Division? I worked 32.5 years, and am credited with 38.5 years of service.

2. What was your badge number? 8918

3. In what departments did you work? I spent most of my years in the core room (departments 110 and 710).

4. When were you hired; and, when did you retire? I was hired on February 23, 1972. I retired on February 1, 2004.

5. Do any of your family members belong to a union? No. But, my mother, Anna Mary Etter, worked at GM for about a year.

6. What three words describe you best:  Happy, Helpful, Cheery 

7. What three words do not describe you:  Grumpy, Young, Dirty 

8. What three foods can you not live without? Fish, Cherry pie, Mexican food  

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car? No! I have owned about eight new GM vehicles. My favorite vehicle of all time was my AMC Pacer, which was union-built and made in the U.S.A.

10. Who were your favorite co-workers? I knew everyone and vice versa.

11. What do you remember the most about your first day? I was never told where the men’s restrooms were. I was afraid to ask anyone for fear that they would poke some fun at me and steer me towards the ladies room instead.

12. What episode at work do you remember the most? I saw a deer run through the core room and jump over the lines, while people were chasing it.

13. What is your favorite charity?  I donate to needy ones and to my church.

14. In what UAW events have you participated?  I worked at Family Day for Durant Amusements, and I played Santa at the Children’s Christmas Party.

15. Tell us about your family: My wife's name is Caroline. My daughter, Laura, is married to Rick Schwarzman. I have four wonderful grandchildren: Darcy, Jacob, Zach and Ellie.              

Gary Ordway

GM Powertrain & Central Foundry Division           

1. How many years did you work at Central Foundry/General Motors?  I worked 33.5; and, I am credited with 40.6 years on my gold card.          

2. What was your badge number?   9566    

3. What departments did you work in?  I have been in 710, 811, 812, and 816. However, I last worked in Department 811—Plant 2 melting—before I retired.

4. What was your start date and retirement date?   I was hired on October 13, 1972, and I retired on June 1, 2006.

5. Are any of your family members union members?  Yes, my son, Randy who works in Department 816 at General Motors, is a UAW Local 211 member.

6. What are three words that someone would use to describe you? Funny, Energetic, Dependable      

7. What are three words that someone would NOT use to describe you?   Quiet, Unfriendly, Unpatriotic  

8. What are three foods you can NOT live without?   Pizza, Pancakes, Tapioca Pudding

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car? Hell No! Absolutely Not!

10. Who were/are some of your favorite co-workers?  Mike “Spanky” Greer, Zahn Widenhammer, Sonny Nichols, Ken Kosch, Tom Graves, and last but not least Gordy Verhoff

11. What do you remember the most about your first day at Central Foundry? Yes, I asked Marv Hazelton where the core room was; and, he gave me the wrong directions. He said it was “way over there,” and it was not.

12. Was there an episode at work that you remember the most? I watched Chet Moore and Charlie Gonzales stuff Zahn Widenhammer in garbage cans.

13. What is your favorite charity?  St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital             

14. What UAW events have you participated in?   Family Day and the Kid’s Christmas Party

15. Tell us about your family:  My wife's name is Diana, my four sons are Ryan, Randy, Rob and Ron, and my daughter is Rhonda.

16. Working in a unionized auto plant has allowed me... “to retire young and live life to it’s fullest.”

Kay Weller

Employees Own & Midwest Community FCU

1. How many years did you work at Employees Own/Midwest Community FCU?  I was hired in August of 1989; and, I worked 14 and a half years.

2. What departments and job titles did you hold? I was a teller for five or six years before going to the accounting department for eight or nine years.

3. What did you like best about working at the credit union? I enjoyed my position, the department I worked, the people with whom I worked, and the many members we served.

4. What was your start date and retirement date? I started on August 27, 1989, and retired on December 31, 2003.

5. Are there any other union members in your family?  My son, Randy, who works for the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. My son-in-law, who works at Campbell Soup in Napoleon, is a member of United Food and Commercials Workers. My mother, Doris English, who worked at Philips Electronics in Ottawa, was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. 

6. Name three words that someone would use to describe you: Friendly, Happy and Smiling        

7. Name three words that someone would NOT use to describe you: Grumpy, Short and Spend-happy 

8. What three foods can you NOT live without? Potatoes, Desserts and Water

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign nameplate vehicle? NO!!! I have never owned or driven a foreign car. We have had Chevy's, Olds, and GMC and Dodge pick-ups, and Chrysler vehicles.

10. Who were/are some of your favorite co-workers?  We were all friends, and we worked well together. My favorite co-worker, however, was Jennifer Dockery. I enjoyed working with everyone at the credit union; and, we had many good times together.

11. What do you remember the most about your first day at the credit union? Everyone was very friendly and helpful. But, I had a lot to learn and was somewhat overwhelmed at first.

12. Was there an event at work that you remember the most?  There were so many episodes that happened, but the afternoon the storm drain backed up and flooded the accounting department stands out the most.

13. What is your favorite charity? The American Heart Association

14. What UAW sponsored event have you participated in? I volunteered my time at Family Day in the fall of the year.

15. Who is in your family? My immediate family is my husband, Arden, our son, Randy, our daughter, Karlyn Feffer, and our son-in-law, Jim Feffer. We have four grandsons: Brandon, Cody, Jared and Nathan.

16. Working in a unionized credit union provided me with... “good wages, insurance and job security.”    

Mike "Spanky" Greer

GM Powertrain & Central Foundry Division

1. How many years did you work at Central Foundry/General Motors?  I worked 37 actual years. My gold card credits me with 43.4 years.

2. What was your badge number?   7081

3. What departments did you work in?   I worked in 816, 533 (the Yard) as a locomotive operator, and 534 as a Sweeper driver.

4. What was your start date and retirement date?  I was hired on July 1, 1969; and, I retired on June 1, 2006.

5. Are any other family members union members?  My dad was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 32 in Lima, Ohio, and was its local union president.

6. What three words would someone use to describe you?   Funny, Friendly, and Willing to Help

7. What three words would someone NOT use to describe you?  Small, Selfish, and Quiet

8. What three foods can you not live without?   Chocolate, Meat, and Potatoes

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car? Hell No! I have owned nine new cars. My first new car was a 1977 Chevy station wagon.

10. Who were/are some of your favorite co-workers?   Gary Ordway, Glen Schlachter, Mary Bauer, George Ellison, and Nan Wells

11. What do you remember the most about your first day at Central Foundry?   I was scared to death! I was also surprised at the cleanliness of the plant (Plant 2). I started out on the disc brake line.

12. What episode at work do you remember the most?   One night on 2nd shift, there was a fire siren blaring in Plant 2 so someone told us to evacuate into the old courtyard. He told us to stay there, and would return to get us. We stood around waiting, smoking a cigarette and talking. Our foreman peeked outside, and hollered at us to get back to work. We did not know any better. But, we enjoyed the extra break time.

13. What are your favorite charities? Make-a-Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society

14. What UAW sponsored events have you participated in?  I bowled in a couple of UAW bowling tournaments. I played Santa at the Kid’s Christmas Party.

15. Tell us about your family?  My wife, Diane, and I have one daughter, Kim, who is a Supervisor Respiratory Therapist at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay.

16. Finish this sentence: working in a unionized auto plant has provided me with... “good pay and benefits."

Annette Smith

GM Powertrain & Central Foundry Division

1.  How many years did you work at Central Foundry/General Motors? 37 years and 2 months

2.  What was your badge number? 8505

3.  What Departments did you work in? I started in the finishing room, diesel finish. I also worked in the core rooms and cafeteria and as a general laborer.

4.  What was your start date and retirement date? I was hired on April 7, 1971, and I retired on July 1, 2008.

5.  Are any other family members union members? My husband Gus, sisters and brothers-in-laws. In 1965, my mother actually helped to organize the Retailers and Wholesalers Local 315 at Pomona products in Griffin, Georgia.

6.  Name three words that someone would use to describe you: Reasonable, generous, and compassionate

7.  Name three words that someone would NOT use to describe you: Unforgiving, spiteful, and uncaring

8.  What three foods can you not live without? Coffee, trail mix, tomatoes

9.   Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car? I drove a foreign vehicle that my daughter owned only one time. She knows how I feel about “biting off the hand that fed her”. My first car was a 1960 Pontiac Catalina. I also owned a 1966 Chevy Impala convertible and five Oldsmobiles. I still own my first new car: a 1972 Cutlass Convertible.

10. Who were/are some of your favorite co-workers? There are too many to name. I had so much support from my co-workers that I could fill a page.

11. What do you remember the most about your first day at Central Foundry? I was among the first group of women to work outside the cafeteria and core room. Since there was no such thing as orientation, I was escorted directly to Department 116—diesel finish. I was assigned to the touch up area. I had to grind, chip, pull wires, and flip the blocks by hand. I was so afraid of the noise, smells, and tools that I almost didn’t come back to work. My body never ached so bad in my life! I am so glad I went back.

12. Was there an episode at work that you remember the most? My favorite is the Pearl Lane story. We were both laid off from Westinghouse. GM hired us both on April 6, 1971. She was so anxious to get started that she went to work that very same night even after spending the entire day there. I was only pretending to be excited so I chose to start the next day, April 7th. On that morning as I was being escorted down the aisle, I saw something that looked like an alien emerge out of the black dust. Turns out it was my buddy, Pearl, with big goggles, dirty face, and clothes. The huge fans from old stony had caught her hair and it was sticking straight out. I was ready to turn around right then. But Pearl being Pearl, assured me that it was not as bad as it looked. I will give her that one! But, it was almost as bad as it looked. I hung in there though. I didn’t want to leave her there alone. I was a chicken; but, I didn’t want her to know it.

13. What is your favorite charity? I don’t necessarily participate in organizations, but I often give to individuals and various causes as my heart directs me.

14. What UAW events have you participated in? Black Lake Family Scholarship Program, local family day activities, training programs provided by the regional office including FMLA

15. Who is in your family? Gus, my husband, retired from GM in 2000. Nena, my daughter, is a real estate broker in Atlanta, and Gustin, my son, is a fitness trainer in Los Angeles. I have a grandson named Jonathan. Gus also has three wonderful children and seven grandchildren whom I love as my very own.

16. Describe your job as a Work/Family (formerly EAP) Rep? I, along with my partners, provided assessments and referrals to employees, retirees and family members. Our goal was to connect them with resources that were able to help them find resolutions to their personal problems. When we inherited the EAP, it was primarily viewed as the drug and alcohol program. Through our training programs, health fairs, bulletin boards, and visibility, we managed to turn the program into a proactive one. Many people stopped feeling stigmatized for using the Work/Family Program. They started to come in before the issues became overwhelming. I also helped with the blood drives and took part in developing the local Diversity Committee.

17. What has your union done for you? Working in a unionized auto plant has allowed me the benefits of a retirement package, seniority rights, improved health and safety conditions, better wages, and many great friendships. 

Floyd Nicely

GM Powertrain & Central Foundry Division

1. How many years did you work at Central Foundry/GM Powertrain? 32.5 actual years, and I spent eight of those years in Toledo.

2. What was your badge number?   3820                                      

3. What departments did you work in?   Line 2, the Core room, as a Machinist in the Pattern Shop, and in Toledo (GM)

4. What was your start date and retirement date?  I was hired in October of 1951, and I retired in December of 1990.

5. Any other family members that are union members?   My brothers Ted and Otto worked at the foundry; my brother Robert worked at Johns Manville; my Uncles Orville Kiessling and Otto Kiessling worked at Johns Manville. I have two son-in-laws: Larry Powell and John Bowling who are also union members. My other two son-in-laws include Tim Miller, a full-time farmer, and Monty Lipp, a 20 year Navy veteran.

6. Name three words that someone would use to describe you: Ambitious, Determined, Headstrong

7. Name three (or more) words that someone would NOT use to describe you:  Lazy, Uninvolved, Quiet, and Un-caring

8. What three foods can you not live without?    Cashews, Steak (medium rare) and mincemeat pie

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car?   Absolutely Not!!! I have owned at least 30 new GM cars.

10. Who were/are some of your favorite co-workers?   Burton Wenner, Len Rittenhouse, Jerry VanNortwick, Mel Hoch, and Dave Klingerman (a teacher)

11. What can you remember the most about your first day at Central Foundry?    I recall a friend I met on my first day named Clarence. He looked at me, and I looked at him. After only a short period of time, we were covered in dirt and soot. We didn't even recognize one another. It was so bad that at lunch time, Clarence headed for the parking lot, as he had had enough and was quitting. The security guard made him take off his shoes because they were not paid for. So he untied them, took off his socks, and walked barefoot across the parking lot to his car.   

12. Was there an episode at work that you remember the most?   I was a machinist in Plant 2, and we had no oiler on 2nd shift. We had a cylinder on a machine that was not working and needed oil so the foreman gave me a direct order to add oil to the cylinder shaft. I told him it was not my job, but I proceeded to get two 2 gallon pails of oil. I then told the foreman to put his finger exactly where I had to apply the oil. The foreman climbed into the framing and put his finger on the shaft; and, I flung the oil towards the shaft. Too bad the foreman also got “oiled” too. I told him I had another bucket of oil and to keep his finger right where he wanted the oil. He threatened to fire me.  

13. What is your favorite charity?  Hospice, The Caring Way. I fondly remember watching Charlie Chatham pull $100 out of his pocket to bid on the first “Charlie’s Pie” in 1986, and today, over $47,000 is raised with "Charlie's Pie" alone!

14. What UAW events have you participated in?  I attended the rally at Solidarity House for cost-of-living for retirees, and I gave a speech at Black Lake on national healthcare as Retiree Chairman. I also served Local 211 as UAW-CAP president for 6 years, 15 years as Veterans Committee chairman, 6 years as Retiree Chairman, and as Legislative Committee chairman.

15. Tell us about your family?   I have been married to my wife Donna for 52 years, and we have four daughters: Tammy Miller, Juli Bowling, Lou Ann Powell, and Kim Lipp. All of their husband’s parents are union members. Donna and I also have 9 wonderful grandchildren.

16. Working in a unionized auto plant has... “given me our life security, our wealth, and our income.”

Wende Tressler

Midwest Community Federal Credit Union

1. How many years have you worked at Midwest Community Federal Credit Union?   I was hired on April 17, 1991, almost 18 years ago.

2. Did you work there before they became unionized? No, the credit union became unionized about 4 months before I was hired.   

3. What departments have you worked in? I was a teller for about 4 years, and then I went to the Accounting Department for 2 years.  I have been in the IT Department for that last 11 years. 

4. Any other family members that are union members? My Dad, Bob Coles is also a UAW Local 211 member with Johns Manville; he has been a welder there for 37 years. My Mom, Kathe Coles, is also a union member at the Defiance Post Office for almost 24 years.

5. What are three words that someone would use to describe you? Genuine, Thoughtful, and Caring 

6. What are three words that someone would NOT be used to describe you?  Stingy, Uninvolved, and Unprepared. 

7. What three foods can you not live without? Diet Coke, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and a good Steak.  

8. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car?  No, we currently have a 2009 Chevy Malibu, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville, and a 1987 Dodge Shadow.  

9. Who are some of your favorite co-workers?   I have made many friends over the years here at the Credit Union. The Credit Union employees are like one large family. If I had to pick my favorite it would be Deb Okuley, her and her husband Denny have become like a second family to me. 

10. What do you remember the most about your first day at MCFCU?   How nice everyone was to me. I was only 18 when I started and they all took me under their wings and showed me the ropes. 

11. Was there an episode at work that you remember the most?   I remember when I first started; they loved to play jokes on each other.  I think the funniest one was when they replaced Linda Oberhaus’ hand lotion with glue. They finally told her what they had done when she made an appointment for the doctor about her hands peeling. On a more serious note, I would have to mention all the charity work we do. We are very involved in the Relay for Life, American Heart Association, Christmas for Kids, and Neighbors in Need to name a few. This past December, just a few days before Christmas we heard of a family in need, so we took up a collection of food and money to help this family out. Within a day we had over $350 in gift cards and food for them. That just shows how caring the employees are that work here at the Credit Union.

12. What is your favorite charity?  I would have to say the Relay for Life.  I lost my grandmother to cancer 9 years ago.

13. In what UAW events have you participated? Those held at the Black Lake Family Education Center and locally at UAW Local 211 Family Day in the fall. 

14. Who is in your immediate family?  My immediate family includes my husband, Frank, and our two daughters, Kylee and Ashlee.  

15. Working in a unionized credit union has allowed me... “to have job security and peace of mind.”

Dennis Wenner

UAW Local 211
Benefit Representative
General Motors Powertrain

1. How many years have you worked at GM Powertrain? I have worked 33 years at GM Powertrain.

2. What was your badge number?   11289

3. What departments did you work in?   In production as an inspector, Maintenance/Millwright, Pattern Shop/Machinist, Foundry Service, and currently as a Benefits Representative.

4. How much did you make an hour when you started?   $8.50-$9.00 per hour.

5. Do you have any children?   Yes, two sons; Christopher, attending the University of Toledo, and Jason, who is a Junior in High School.

6. What are three words that someone would use to describe you? Caring, Giving, Spontaneous.

7. What are three words that would not be used to describe you? Lazy, Dishonest, Shy

8. What three foods can you not live without? Mexican, Steak, Seafood.         

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car?   Hell No!!! I have purchased and owned over 25 GM vehicles over my 33 years at GM.

10. Who were some of your favorite co-workers?   Joe Dilworth, Ted Fleming, Patrick Dugan, Mike McFeeters, Nila Bell, Ronald Cain, Dwight Chatham, Ronald Foltz, Joe Eureste, and Paul Murcko.

11. What can you remember the most about your first day at GM?   Fear, Pride, The Day's End

12. Was there an episode at work that you remember the most? Two times come to mind: when I completed my millwright and machinist training and when I earned 25 years of service.

13. What is your favorite charity? Hospice, and anybody that is down on their luck.

14. How has the UAW affected your life? It affected me from very early in life. When I was eight years old, my mother became very ill. For seven years my father, a Pattern Maker for 39 years, went from hospital to hospital, doctor to doctor, trying to find help for her. If not for the benefits negotiated by the UAW, my family would have been devastated.

15. Tell us about your position as Benefit Representative? It can be a very hectic job. Helping people can be very rewarding. I have a very special place in my heart for our retirees. As a Benefit Representative, I may be called into the plant on Wednesdays to assist with SUB pay filing and problems. Before you come to the union hall on Wednesdays, I recommend you call ahead at 419-784-5399 or 866-786-5399 to make sure I am available to respond to your questions or concerns.

Ginny Dillon

GM Powertrain & Central Foundry Division

1. How many years did you work at Central Foundry?   I had 42 actual years from July 1951 until March 1993 for 50.1 years of credited service.

2. What was your badge number?   559

3. What departments did you work in?   I spent my entire career in the core room

4. How much did you make an hour when you started?   $1.26. And, I left a wire factory in Wauseon, Ohio, making 58 cents an hour to go to GM.

5. Any children?   Yes, my daughter Barb is a teacher, and she belongs to three unions: the NEA (National Education Association), the OEA (Ohio Education Association) and the SEA (Sylvania Education Association).

6. Name three words that someone would use to describe you: Friendly, Loving, and Tough

7. Name three words that would not be used to describe you: Selfish, Dishonest, and Mean

8. What three foods can you not live without?   Bottled water, Potatoes (cooked anyway) and Sugar Cookies         

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car?   Hell No!

10. Who were some of your favorite co-workers?   Marciele Michaelis, Teresa Ricica, Marge Armstrong and Marge Jackman

11. What can you remember the most about your first day at GM?   I did not have enough money in my pocket to buy a loaf of bread.

12. Was there an episode at work that you remember the most?   Well, we used to wear aprons, and I used to keep my cigarettes in my pocket. One particular foreman used to come up behind me and steal the pack from me and take one. I used to get mad. So one day, Tom Druhout said he would take care of this. He put one of those exploding cigarettes in the pack. When the foreman came by, as luck would have it, he grabbed that particular one. As he walked away, he lit the cigarette and it exploded. Needless to say, I never had him take any more of my cigarettes again.

13. What was your favorite retiree trip? The 1981 Solidarity March in Washington, D.C.

14. What is your favorite charity? I enjoy the Hospice Fair every year. I also spend a lot of time helping at my church, Emanuel Lutheran in Napoleon. Both have always been extremely important in my life.

15. How has the UAW affected your life?   I owe everything to being a UAW member and to being hired by GM and now retired.

Lisa Beardsley

UAW Local 211 Secretary

1. What day did you start working at UAW Local 211?  April 19, 2006

2. What job did you have before this? I was a secretary for 15 years at Defiance Memorials.

3. Had you ever been a union member before? No

4. Did you notice a difference in the workplace since being a union member?   Yes, I am much more secure in my present position with a union behind me.

5. Any children? Yes, our son Nick is 22 and our other son Travis is 15.

6. Name three words that someone would use to describe you: Giving, Caring, and Patient

7. Name three words that would not be used to describe you: Dishonest, Mean, and Lazy

8. What three foods can you not live without? FRITOS, chocolate ice cream, and shrimp

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car? NO!!

10. What vehicles can be found in your driveway now? A 2005 Trailblazer and a 2000 Grand Prix-our son Travis will take over the Grand Prix soon, and we will buy another GM vehicle.

11. When not typing, answering the phone, and helping our UAW Local 211 members, what do you like to do? Walk, listen to music, and volunteer.

12. What station is the radio tuned to in your vehicle now? 98.9 The Bear

13. What is the local number of your union?   OPEIU Local 19

14.  You mentioned volunteering, please tell us more: I have been involved with the Relay for Life for seven years, and now serve as a Team Captain, and Team Recruitment and Development Co-Chair. My job at Local 211 has been a blessing in seeing others volunteering, and has helped me in my Relay for Life endeavors. Unions and charities seem to go hand in hand, and I have the best of both worlds every day at work.

15. How was your transition to becoming our secretary? Katherine Miller was a tremendous help and a wonderful resource.

FYI: When asked, Lisa Callies, UAW Local 211 Financial Secretary, chimed in, “Lisa Beardsley makes it fun to come to work.” Lisa C is also given credit as the person who talked Lisa B into helping with Relay for Life.

Bud Henry

a.k.a, S.O.B. (Sweet ol’ Bud)

GM Powertrain & Central Foundry Division

1. What year did you start at the foundry?  1954

2. What was your badge number?  1215

3. What year did you retire? I retired in 1980 after just over 25 years.

4. What jobs did you do at the plant? I worked on production in the core and later as a painter.

5. Who were several favorite co-workers?  Skip Yarrington and Don Rau

6. Have you ever held any union offices? Yes, I was a committeeman for one term and the retiree chairman for 15 years.

7. What are three words that describe you?  Thoughtful, Loving, Special

8. What are three words that do not...? Selfish, Dishonest, Mean

9. What are three of your favorite foods?  Prime Rib, Frog Legs, Waldorf-Astoria Red Velvet Cake

10. What was the biggest difference about the foundry from when you started compared to when you retired?  Cleanliness and Ventilation

11. How many new cars have you ever owned?   Maybe 25-30

12. What kind of car do you drive now?   A Buick and GEO Tracker

13. Have you ever owned a foreign car?   Hell No!!!

14. Since you are a very active retiree, what rally or bus trip was the most memorable?   The Solidarity March in Washington on August 3, 1981

15. How many years have you been married? 60 on November 20, 2008

When asked how has the UAW affected his life, Bud responded: “The UAW has provided me with a wonderful sense of safety at work, and made sure the quality of my life was the best. I owe an awful lot to the UAW.”

When Joanne, Bud's wife, was asked what has it been like being married to Bud, she replied: “Bud has always been about family. He has always been active in our daughter's life and our grandchildren's lives. He attends all of their sporting events and school happenings.”

Rhonda Gray

General Motors Powertrain

1. When did you hire in at GM Powertrain in Defiance? February 2007

2. What is your badge number? 17348

3. What three words would someone use to describe you? Country Girl, Conscientious, Quiet

4. What three words would someone NOT use to describe you? Lazy, Big Spender, Unorganized

5. What kind of vehicle do you drive? 1998 Chevy Dually, 3500 Diesel. I also own a '96 Lumina and '97 Monte Carlo. I have never owned a brand new car or truck. And before you ask, I have never owned a foreign car.

6. What job did you do before being hired at GM? I managed a daycare center for 10 years.

7. Anyone in your family ever work at GM? Yes, my dad is Ron Osborn. He hired in on January 8, 1965, and retired on May 1, 1994. He worked as a ten-ton operator and a fork truck driver. I am his first child to work here.

8. Do you have any children? Yes, my daughter, Britny, is 18, and my other daughter, Cheyenne, is 16, and my son, Ryan, is 7.

9. Name three foods you cannot live without: Diet Pepsi, Steak (medium rare) and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

10. What are your hobbies and what do you like to do when you are not at work? I raise Texas Longhorns; and, I have horses and pigs. I am also a 4-H Advisor and a volunteer firefighter.

11. If you could take the skilled trades test, would you? Yes, in a heartbeat

12. If you could drive and own one new car, what would it be?  A new Pontiac Solstice, burnt orange in color

13. What is the best thing about being a UAW Local 211 member so far? Being treated fairly. I also try to attend all union meetings.

Donelda Royal

General Motors
Central Foundry Division

1. When did you start working at the foundry? May 14, 1951—the first day that GM in Defiance hired women

2. Where did you work in the plant? I spent my entire career—25 years—in the core room

3. When did you retire? June 1, 1976

4. Three words that people would use to describe you…… Happy, Fun and Talkative

5. Three words that people would not use to describe you….. Envious, Quiet and Unfriendly

6. What one piece of advice would you give to anyone starting out at the foundry? Don’t be afraid to do your job!

7. What role did the UAW have in your career? It was very supportive, especially in keeping me safe at work.

8. What was your badge number? It is easy to remember—514—since I started on 5-14-51.

9. Who were the co-workers that you will never forget? Betty McDonald and Eva Hazelschwartz

10. Who was the one foreman that you consider your favorite to work for?    Lynn Johns was the one, without a doubt.

11. How many foreign vehicles have you owned? (Laughing) ZERO!

12. What vehicle do you currently drive? I drive a '06 Cadillac, and, have owned like ten new cars in my life.

Walter Greaux

Powers and Sons, LLC.

1. Type of Vehicle you Currently Drive is... 2007 Ford Ranger

2. Have you Ever Owned a Foreign Vehicle... Never

3. Your Job at Powers and Sons is... Clamp and Sleeve Cell

4. Three Words to Describe yourself are... Mouth of the South, Understanding and Go-getter

5. Three Words that do not Describe yourself are: Quiet, Shy and Messy

6. Usual Order at a Restaurant is... Being from Louisiana, a Seafood Platter

7. Three Foods you can not Live without are... Hamburgers, Salad and Peanut Butter Pie

8. Were you a Union Member Before being Hired by Powers and Sons... No, this is My First Time being a Union Member

9. My Family Members are... Wife, Betty, and Daughters, Amy, Jaime and Jade

10. Union Offices or Positions Held are... Now, Committeeman

11. How are Things Now at Power and Sons... Our Local Contract Expired on September 30, 2007

12. Complete these Sentences... Before the UAW, Seniority Rights did not Exist and Unfair Termination was Rampant. After we unionized in 2004, Employees had Resources and Gained Workplace Dignity; and, “Fishing with the Foreman” to Get or Keep a Good Job was Over.

Julie Baldwin

Midwest Community Federal Credit Union

1. How many years have you been a UAW Local 211 member? 17 years 
 
2. Have you ever worked at a union represented job prior to MCFCU? No  
 
3. Three words that describe you: Kind, caring, respectful   
 
4. Three words that no one will ever use to describe you: Quiet, shy, reserved 
 
5. You are in a department store and you are looking to buy a new pair of shoes. One pair is $39.99 and another pair is $59.99, but the cheaper ones are made in China. How much do you spend on shoes that day? $59.99 if they are made in America. 
 
6. Favorite vacation spot and why: Myrtle Beach—Walking on the beach at sunset with my husband Bob
 
7. If you could ask any presidential candidate just one question, who would you ask and what would you ask?  I would like to ask all the candidates, “What are your thoughts on NAFTA are and how many American jobs are you going to let go overseas??” 

8. Your best memory growing up was.........? Family time 

9. What does being a UAW member mean to you? Better working conditions, better health care, job security, seniority protection and a good wage & benefit package. 

10. Name three foods that you could never survive without: Noodles, milk, water. 

11. Any comments about unions? I am a proud member of UAW Local 211.

Jordan Westrick

Metal Management